The band is named after a line in the BBC TV mini-series 'The Singing Detective', in which a character says that the word "elbow" is the most sensuous word in the English language (not due to its definition per se but due to how it feels to say it). Though the group came about in 1990, intially going by names such as 'Soft' and 'Mr. Soft', it wasn't until 'The Noisebox EP' came out on 1 January 1998 that they had a real release. Elbow started out specializing in "chilled funk", but the guys changed the direction of their music after unanimously deciding that they were "shit."
Their new songs picked up notice from both Island Records, but the band got dropped due to business shenanigans before anything actually came out post-singing. Elbow then released two critically acclaimed EP's on the independent Ugly Man Record label, starting with the aformentioned 'Noisebox EP'. Luckily, their work caught the attention of V2 Records.
V2 released Elbow's debut album: "Asleep In The Back." The album was a surprisingly moderate success, gaining substantial critical acclaim and, ultimately, a nomination for the Mercury Music Prize in 2001. The single "Newborn" received attention after being banned by Radio 1 for the lyric, "I'll be the corpse in your bathtub."
Its 2003 album, "Cast Of Thousands," entered the UK Charts at #7 to critical acclaim. The lead single, "Fallen Angel," charted at #19.
Elbow released its third album in 2005: "Leaders Of The Free World." Despite a continued lack of commercial notice, "Leaders Of The Free World" charted at #12, with its lead single, "Forget Myself" achieving #22 in the charts. That autumn, Elbow headlined the first of two sell-out tours.
March 17, 2008, saw the release of Elbow's fourth album, entitled "The Seldom Seen Kid." Released through Fiction, it entered the UK album chart at #5, and went on to win the 2008 Mercury Music Award. "The Fix," features guest vocals and lead guitar by Richard Hawley. April 2009 saw the release of The Seldom Seen Kid Live At Abbey Road, recorded with The BBC Concert Orchestra and Chantage. This album, recorded in Studio One of the world famous Abbey Road Studios on Saturday, January 17, 2008, is a complete run-through of the Mercury winning album. It features the band, a 52-piece orchestra, and a 20-member choir.
The band's fifth album Build A Rocket Boys! was released in the UK on March 14, 2011.
In July 2015, Elbow released the Lost Worker Bee EP, which was soon followed by Guy Garvey's first solo album 'Courting the Squall' (Oct 2015).
Their seventh studio album, 'Little Fictions' was released on 3 February 2017, with Elbow's eighth studio album, 'Giants of All Sizes', released 2 years later on 11 October 2019.
Weather to Fly
Elbow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Are we having the time of our lives?
Are we coming across clear?
Are we coming across fine?
Are we part of the plan here?
Are we having the time of our lives?
Are we coming across clear?Are we coming across fine?
Are we having the time of our lives?
Are we part of the plan here?
We have the driver and time on our hands
One little room and the biggest of plans
The days were shaping up, frosty and bright
Perfect weather to fly, perfect weather to fly
Pounding the streets where my father's feet still
Ring from the walls, we'd sing in the doorways or bicker and row
Just figuring how we were wired inside
Perfect weather to fly
So in looking to stray from the line
We decided instead we should pull out the thread
That was stitching us into this tapestry vile
And why wouldn't you try? Perfect weather to fly
We have the driver and time on our hands
One little room and the biggest of plans
The days were shaping up, frosty and bright
Perfect weather to fly, perfect weather to fly
Pounding the streets where my father's feet still
Ring from the walls, we'd sing in the doorways, or bicker and rowJust figuring how we were wired inside
Perfect weather to fly
So in looking to stray from the line
We decided instead we should pull out the thread
That was stitching us into this tapestry vile
And why wouldn't you try? Perfect weather to fly
Weather to Fly is a song by British band Elbow, which was released in 2008 on their fourth album, The Seldom Seen Kid. The song is a contemplation of life's journey and the search for meaning, set against a backdrop of changing weather conditions. The lyrics suggest that the time is right to break free from convention and explore new possibilities.
The repeated refrain of "Are we having the time of our lives?" with the variations of "Are we coming across clear?" and "Are we part of the plan here?" emphasize the sense of uncertainty and questioning that pervades the song. The lyrics in the verses paint a picture of a small, cramped room where the singer and his friends are holed up, exploring their own emotions and thinking about where they are in life. The use of the phrase "Perfect weather to fly" suggests the sense of opportunity that is present, even in the midst of confusion and uncertainty.
The song reflects on the idea of finding one's path in life and the need to step outside of our comfort zones in order to grow and evolve. The repetition of "Why wouldn't you try?" reflects the importance of being open to new experiences and taking risks in order to reach one's full potential. The song has a poetic quality, with a mix of detailed imagery and abstract thoughts that create a sense of mystery and exploration.
Line by Line Meaning
Are we having the time of our life?
Wondering if we're living life to the fullest
Are we having the time of our lives?
Repeating the question, emphasizing the importance of enjoying life
Are we coming across clear?
Asking if our message is being understood
Are we coming across fine?
Repeating the question, emphasizing the need for clear communication
Are we part of the plan here?
Questioning if we have a role in the greater scheme of things
We have the driver and time on our hands
We are in control of our own destiny
One little room and the biggest of plans
Despite our modest surroundings, we have ambitious goals
The days were shaping up, frosty and bright
The weather is clear and crisp, signifying new beginnings
Perfect weather to fly, perfect weather to fly
An invitation to take flight, to take risks and pursue our dreams
Pounding the streets where my father's feet still
Walking in the footsteps of our ancestors, carrying on a legacy
Ring from the walls, we'd sing in the doorways or bicker and row
Life involves both harmony and discord, love and conflict
Just figuring how we were wired inside
Trying to understand our own inner workings and motivations
So in looking to stray from the line
Exploring paths outside of the norm
We decided instead we should pull out the thread
Making a deliberate effort to break away from the past
That was stitching us into this tapestry vile
Acknowledging how the past can hold us back
And why wouldn't you try? Perfect weather to fly
Encouraging others to take risks, given the favorable conditions
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CRAIG LEE POTTER, GUY EDWARD JOHN GARVEY, MARK POTTER, MARK ELLIS POTTER, PETER JAMES TURNER, RICHARD BARRY JUPP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@calefiction
Got the cd from my uncle right before i left california and the whole flight back to florida seemed to pass right by. Hands down one of my favorite songs and we can all agree that elbow is an amazing band.
@twochordcool
Well we can't "all" agree - 99.99% of Americans have either never heard of them or have written them off. Morons.
@iownagreyhound
i am SO incredibly glad iv found this underrated band. a lyrical genius and amazing musician
@notlobian4ever
Made my Elbow live debut in Manchester over the weekend and I can't believe I've let these go for so long unheard. Such clever words and can be lent to a variety of situations, it's nice to see an artist that puts just that bit more effort in. Master of his trade is Guy Garvey.
@lemongrasslaughs9061
I grew out of Elbow gradually in my teens, but this track reminded me of just how high their high points are. This is true artistic inspiration, bottled and designed to further inspire others. Love the rythm and Garvey's gracefully decending, repetitive melody.
@bagwipes
Pardon me for misreading that as "autistic inspiration"
@mish2305
i get goosebumps everytime i hear an Elbow tune <3
@whatryewatchin
I haven't listened to this album in so long, it's brought me to all sorts of places I've forgotten I'd been.
Thanks for uploading.
@MultiMemoryman
Watched it live on tv being recorded, awesome, just awesome
@mylesaway2566
The nostalgia<3